Social stigmatization in the news coverage of obesity in the Spanish press during the pandemic

Abstract

Introducción: This study analyzes the treatment of obesity in the Spanish press during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, to find out how the information on this topic was framed. Methodology: Using the methodology of content analysis and the framing theory as a reference, 350 content units on obesity and COVID-19 published in the digital editions of the four most widely read Spanish generalinformation newspapers in 2020 were analyzed: El País, El Mundo, La Vanguardia, and ABC. Results: In the contents that focus on obesity the individual responsibility frame predominates, attributing the cause of obesity to individual responsibility and disseminating the idea that being overweight is a personal choice. On the other hand, in those centered on COVID-19, the collective responsibility frame predominates. Offensive language and images that reflect negatively on people with obesity are also used, albeit in a minority of cases. Discussion: The media can influence the beliefs and attitudes of its audience, as well as healthcare decision-making. Thus, how the media portrays obesity is important in increasing or reducing the stigmatization of people who suffer from it. Conclusions: The narrative attributing the cause of obesity to individual responsibility fosters increased social stigma and reinforces weight-based stereotypes and should be avoided in the media.